Diana Ross, Brother Sun, Ellis Paul, Baby Gramps among highlights

As our turbulent flight through 2017 comes in for a landing, it’s time once again to look back and reflect on some of the great music that graced the many stages around the region this year.

Since 2010, I’ve been writing an annual column about concert memories, and hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading them and reminiscing with me. These types of lists are always subjective, of course, but I do try to keep my ears open for the best that Greater Binghamton has to offer.

As usual, I wasn’t able to get to as many concerts as I would have liked. A family obligation meant that I had to miss Bon Jovi (and the infamous two-hour delayed start) at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open in August, and somehow I went the entire year without seeing a single show in Ithaca. Not sure how that happened, considering how many cool concerts are there on a weekly basis. (I already have tickets to a couple of Ithaca shows in the spring, and I hope to see more.)

I did, on the other hand, write about and see more shows at the Clemens Center in Elmira this year — a really nice theater with an eclectic slate of concerts. Definitely worth the drive west.

My message with these year-end columns has remained consistent over the past eight years, and it’s the same gospel I’ve been spreading since I started writing about local entertainment in 2005: For a region this size, there are a lot of options if you’re just willing to give them a try.

In this age of various streaming services offering thousands of hours of entertainment at our fingertips, it can be very tempting just to stay at home on the couch and veg out.

I offer just one word of advice: Don’t.

There is still a magic to live performances — music, theater, dance, standup comedy, whatever — that literally can’t be replicated. Plus, many venues are struggling to draw audiences, and that ultimately will hurt both the culture and the economy of the region.

So if you’re not already plugged into the Greater Binghamton scene, find something cool to enjoy in 2018. Let our entertainment coverage in the weekly Go! section or online at pressconnects.com/go be your guide, or explore on your own.

OK, on to this year’s highlights.

•The Hot Sardines (Jan. 13, The Clemens Center, Elmira): The New York City-based musicians put the fun into old-time jazz tunes, and the concert included some standards and a few selections from their latest album “French Fries + Champagne” (although, sadly, not their slinky cover of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love”). Highlights included tap-dancer Edwin "Fast Eddy" Francisco turning Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies” into a tap number, as well as a surprise performance by local jazz legend Ed Clute on the 1919 standard “Royal Garden Blues.”

•The Five Irish Tenors (Feb. 1, Anderson Center, Binghamton University): While this concert was not quite as traditionally Irish as I had hoped (with selections like “New York State of Mind,” “Your Song,” “Piano Man” and “Hey Jude”), there’s no doubt that there’s a lot of talent in this quintet of singers. A couple of favorites from their first-ever tour of North America were the soaring harmonies on “She Moved Through the Fair” and David Martin’s tribute to legendary Irish tenor John McCormack with “I Hear You Calling Me.”

Eben Pariser and Molly Venter of Goodnight Moonshine shared previews of their upcoming album at 6 On The Square in Oxford on Feb. 18.(Photo: File)

•Goodnight Moonshine (Feb. 18, 6 On The Square, Oxford): Eben Pariser (of Roosevelt Dime) and Molly Venter (of Red Molly) harmonize offstage as husband and wife, and they bring that personal dynamic onstage when they perform. They shared selections from their self-titled duo album as well as a few choice covers (like Sting’s “Fields of Gold” and a mashup of “Dark Side of the Moon with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”) and some new songs. A second album is promised in 2018, and I can’t wait to hear it.

Singer/songwriter Connor Garvey brought his brand of optimistic folk to 6 On The Square in Oxford on March 4.(Photo: Photo by Jeffrey B. Donahue)

•Connor Garvey (March 4, 6 On The Square): An up-and-comer in the folk / acoustic circuit, Garvey offers earnest story-songs in his clear tenor voice. The setlist at this show featured a broad swath of tunes from his five studio albums, with standouts like “Tattered Shirt,” “The Bird” and “Old House.” A few covers were mixed in as well (Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” Anaïs Mitchell’s “Why We Build the Wall,” an a cappella “Stand By Me”). Garvey’s skills with loop pedals even allowed him to duet with himself on “Break the Cages.” Keep an ear out for this one next time he’s in the region.

Paul Shaffer provided an eclectic mix of tunes with the World’s Most Dangerous Band at the Clemens Center in Elmira on April 1.(Photo: Josie Norris / USA Today Network)

•Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band (April 1, Clemens Center): As a fan of the late, lamented “Late Show with David Letterman,” I was thrilled to see these skilled musicians back in action. As the first show of the tour for a self-titled new album, this performance had its rough spots (especially with videos meant to play between or during songs), but there was no denying the band’s ability to rock the house with a set that included tributes to Michael Jackson, the Blues Brothers and James Brown. R&B legend Valerie Simpson — still grooving at age 70 — sang a few hits she co-wrote with late husband Nickolas Ashford, including “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and guitarist Felicia Collins also showed once again to be a dynamic singer. “It’s Raining Men” (which Shaffer co-wrote) snuck into the setlist as well, and by the encore of “Soul Man,” band members appeared to have found their groove.

•Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio (April 29, 6 On The Square): One of my favorite songwriters of recent years, Pierson guides her trio through original tunes and choice cover songs that run the gamut from folk to jazz to blues. It all flow together into a cohesive whole through Pierson’s quiet charm, versatile voice and multi-instrumental skills. Band members Davy Sturtevant (strings and coronet) and Shawn Nadeau (upright bass) add a lot to the mix, too. This concert previewed a few new songs that would appear on the album “Singin’,” released in June, including the title track, “Take a Deep Breath and Smile” and “Sometimes I Can’t Believe My Luck,” a humorous (in hindsight) tale of how life as a touring musician can go wrong.

•Binghamton Philharmonic “Star Wars” concert (May 4, The Forum, Binghamton): I’m not a “Star Wars” fanatic, but yeah, I’ve seen the films a few times, and I’ve watched as “May the Fourth” has become an unofficial celebration of all things from a galaxy far, far away. Hearing a full orchestra play the most memorable parts of John Williams’ film scores for the original trilogy of films — including the main titles and the “Imperial March” (also known as the villainous Darth Vader’s theme) — proved to be really cool. A similar “Harry Potter” film music program followed in October, and it’ll be fun to see where the philharmonic will go next with these kinds of theme concerts.

Craig Bickhardt, left, and Jack Sundrud of Idlewheel shared some of their best songs at 6 On The Square in Oxford on June 17.(Photo: Photo by Jeffrey B. Donahue)

•Idlewheel (June 17, 6 On The Square): Nashville is a place where songwriters can still flourish, penning tunes for other performers (mainly country stars) to record and put their stamp on. Craig Bickhardt and Jack Sundrud made their names on that songwriting treadmill, and they share some of their best songs live as Idlewheel. Among the highlights: Sundrud’s “Father’s Day” (well timed for that weekend) and Bickherdt’s Hank Williams tribute “If He Came Back Again” (cruelly left off of the final Highwaymen album but later released as a bonus track).

•Diana Ross (July 26, Anderson Center, Binghamton University): When you’re a music legend, you can fit 18 songs — and two costume changes — into a finely tuned hour. Miss Ross was whisked onstage almost directly from her limo to join her nine-piece band for hits like “Baby Love,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Come See About Me,” “Can’t Hurry Love,” “Love Child,” “Ease On Down the Road” (from “The Wiz”) and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” The encore featured two covers — one expected (the Gloria Gaynor hit “I Will Survive”) and one unexpected (DJ Khaled’s “All I Do is Win”). Daughter Rhonda Ross did a short opening set and showed herself to be a fine songwriter and performer — I need to find more of her music.

I’m With Her — from left, Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan — teamed up with the Punch Brothers and Julian Lage for the American Acoustic tour at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center on Aug. 6.(Photo: Provided)

•Punch Brothers, I’m With Her and Julian Lage (Aug. 6, Anderson Center): The American Acoustic tour united some of the best young roots performers making music today for what felt like a 21st century update to old-time radio shows like “Louisiana Hayride.” Swapping performers in and out as needed for each song, the concert felt more like a supergroup than individual acts, and some of the highlights included the Punch Brothers’ “Julep” and “Another New World,” I’m With Her harmonizing on group member Sara Watkins’ “The Truth Won't Set Us Free” and “Young in All the Wrong Ways,” and covers of Nickel Creek’s “Destination,” John Hiatt’s “Crossing Muddy Waters” and “Father Adieu” by Daphne's Flight. For an encore, all of them joined in for a lively version of Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come.” An amazing concert for sure.

Brother Sun — from left, Pat Wictor, Joe Jencks and Greg Greenway —wrapped up seven years as a group with a farewell tour that stopped at 6 On The Square in Oxford on Aug. 24.(Photo: Photo by Jeffrey B. Donahue)

•Brother Sun (Aug. 24, 6 On The Square): It doesn’t seem that long ago when I watched a video online of these three talented folk musicians — Pat Wictor, Greg Greenway and Joe Jencks — harmonize for the first time. The new trio didn’t even have a name yet. Seven years and three albums later, the guys in Brother Sun are parting ways — at least for now. This concert was one of their last together, with a crowd of fans who had followed them through their journey. Included were stellar performances of songs like “St. Christopher,” “Where Are You Moses,” “Love is the Water,” “In the Name of Love” and (as an encore) the gentle benediction “All I Want is a Garden.” I wish them well on their solo endeavors.

Folk-rock legends Stephen Stills and Judy Collins(Photo: File)

•Stephen Stills and Judy Collins (Aug. 28, Anderson Center): Admitting up front that Collins (at age 78) and Stills (at 72) can’t sound quite the same as their iconic recordings, it was good to see these folk-rock pioneers on their first tour together. The concert focused mainly on other songwriters’ work from the new Stills and Collins duo album “Everybody Knows,” like Leonard Cohen’s title track and “Suzanne,” Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country,” Sandy Denny’s “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Stills mined his own history with Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” and “Questions,” and he honored Collins with his solo song “Judy.” Collins shared her songs "River of Gold” and “Houses.” And no matter how their voices have held up, Stills can still play a mean guitar.

•Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (Aug. 31, East Park, Norwich): A chilly night for August, but Simien and his talented crew brought a little New Orleans mojo to the center of Norwich. Encouraging everyone to “Dance Everyday,” he created a party atmosphere and threw plenty of beads into the eager crowd. (Thanks to the Chenango Blues Association for these free summer concerts — I really need to get to more of them next year.)

•Ellis Paul (Sept. 16, 6 On The Square): Celebrating 25 years on the road, Paul is never one to stand still. This show — part of “The World Ain’t Slowing Down” Tour, aptly named after one of his best-known songs — was an appropriate mix of older tunes (“3,000 Miles,” “Last Call,” “Did Galileo Pray?”), more recent ones (“Johnny Cash (Kick Out the Lights),” “Drive-In Movie,” “Home”) and brand-new songs (“I Ain’t No Jesus,” “Scarecrow in a Corn Maze”) that should be part of a new album out by summer. As a performer and songwriter, there are few better. Opening act Kyle Hancharick showed promise, and having him there continues Paul’s mentoring of younger musicians.

•Baby Gramps (Sept. 27, Cyber Cafe West, Binghamton): As unpredictable and amusing as ever, Gramps is a unique musical force in the Americana world — part vaudeville comedian, part hobo, part old-time songcatcher, part song interpreter. He definitely seemed inspired in this mid-week show, sharing a few from his standard repertoire (“Big Rock Candy Mountain,” “Palindromes,” “The Monkey Puzzle Stump,” Bob Dylan’s “Visions of Johanna”) and lesser-heard Gramps originals like “Magnolia Blossoms In The Breeze” and “Bougainvillea Vine” (from his New Orleans tribute album “Baptized on Swamp Water”). Throw in an obscure Robert Mitchum song about bootleggers (“Highway Thunder Road”) and a finale that mashed together “Louie Louie” with the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night,” and I couldn’t ask for more. After a singalong to the silly “The Monkeys Have No Tails in Zamboanga,” Gramps exclaimed: “We’re a weird church!” Yes indeed — but a fun one.

Meroë Khalia Adeeb and Jordan Schreiner played star-crossed lovers Mimi and Rodolfo in the Tri-Cities Opera production of “La Bohème.”(Photo: Photo by Randy Cummings)

•“La Boheme” (Oct. 15, The Forum): I will never be mistaken for an opera expert, but I do know that the Tri-Cities Opera production of the Puccini classic was a beautiful thing. The young lead cast — especially soprano Meroë Khalia Adeeb as ill-fated seamstress Mimi and tenor Jordan Schreiber as her love interest, Rodolfo — captured the camaraderie and the tragedy in equal measure. The sets and costumes were gorgeous, and the rest of the main cast each had their moments to shine.

Black Violin performed their mix of classical, hip-hop, folk and jazz at the Clemens Center in Elmira on Oct. 19.(Photo: File)

•Black Violin (Oct. 19, Clemens Center): Classical music and hip-hop wouldn’t seem to be a natural match, but Wil B (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin) blend together the best of both genres, along with some R&B and jazz. At the Elmira concert, the atmosphere was more rock show than sedate classical performance. Joined by DJ SPS and percussionist Nat Stokes (who each got a chance to shine on their own), the group shared tracks from their three previous albums (especially 2015’s “Stereotypes”) as well as some new tunes and even an improvised segment. To emphasize Black Violin’s mission to inspire young performers, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes’ junior string ensemble performed “Simple Gifts” for the encore, then performed Wil and Kev’s arrangement of the song (which they call “Shaker”). Let’s hope some of those kids walked away with a greater appreciate for musical fusion.

•Preservation Hall Legacy Quintet, Irma Thomas and the Blind Boys of Alabama (Nov. 2, Anderson Center): Representing three American-born musical genres — jazz, soul and gospel — the amount of talent on one stage for this “The Heart and Soul Queen of New Orleans” tour was, quite frankly, astounding. The gents from Preservation Hall invoked the spirit of the Crescent City with standards like “Basin Street Blues,” “St. James Infirmary” and “Bourbon Street Parade.” Then they backed the Blind Boys on heartfelt gospel tunes such as “Uncloudy Day,” “There Will Never Be Any Peace (Until God Is Seated at the Conference Table)” and “I’ll Fly Away,” with the final slot reserved for the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” herself with classics from her catalog, including “(You Can Have My Husband But Please) Don’t Mess with My Man” and "Wish Someone Would Care.” Just stellar.

Scott Purcell, left, and Frederick Schlick play the older and younger version of Jim Thompson in Tri-Cities Opera's "Glory Denied."(Photo: Photo by Randy Cummings)

•“Glory Denied” (Nov. 17, Tri-Cities Opera Center, Binghamton): Composer Tom Cipullo, inspired by Tom Philpott’s book, created a compelling and moving opera about Jim Thompson, the Vietnam War’s longest-held American prisoner, and the wife he left back home. Structuring the story with both younger (Frederick Schlick) and older (Scott Purcell) Thompson as well as younger (Stacey Geyer) and older (Tascha Anderson) Alyce proved to be particularly effective, and all the singers dramatically conveyed the political and personal conflicts that returning veterans face.

Cirque Musica teamed up with the Binghamton Philharmonic for a holiday show at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena on Dec. 7.(Photo: Provided)

•“Cirque Musica Holiday Presents: Believe” with the Binghamton Philharmonic (Dec. 7, Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena): After years of traditional — and successful — “Home for the Holidays” concerts, the philharmonic decided to mix things up this year and bring in Cirque Musica. If the enthusiastic crowd at the Arena was any indication, the experiment proved to be a success. With dancers, acrobats, comedy performers, roller skaters and what can only be described as two guys on the Double Spinning Wheels of Death, the show was undoubtedly a feast for the eyes — but the orchestra sounded great too, with medleys of holiday hits and classical selections providing a soundtrack to the stunts.

•Wynotte Sisters (Dec. 10, 6 On The Square): The trio — Vibeke Saugestad, Daria Grace and Sara Milonovich — vowed to share Christmas tunes that you wouldn’t hear in the grocery, and apart from a couple of exceptions (like beautiful versions of “Pretty Paper” and “Blue Christmas”), they mainly stuck to that promise. Sharing a few originals and many well-rendered covers from Irma Thomas, Merle Haggard, the Andrews Sisters and Steve Earle, the ladies inspired my Christmas spirit more in two hours than two months of repetitive holiday radio ever could. Patti Smith’s “People Have the Power” served as a fitting encore, more a New Year’s benediction than Christmas tune but still an important message.

Have a good Christmas and New Year’s, everyone, and hope to see you at a concert soon.

Kocher is the entertainment editor for the Press & Sun-Bulletin. Follow him on Twitter: @RealChrisKocher.

What did you love?

What was your favorite Greater Binghamton entertainment offering in 2017? Email your responses to ckocher@pressconnects.com with your name and town of residence, and we will publish in next week’s Go! section and online.